Breaking down the USAF Thunderbirds Super Bowl and Daytona 500 Flyovers with a Former Thunderbird

Michelle "Mace" Curran" joins Mover and Gonky to discuss the 2024 Super Bowl LVIII and Daytona 500 flyovers by the Thunderbirds, plus a few stories of their own. Every Monday at 8PM ET, Mover (F-16, F/A-18, T-38, 737, helicopter pilot, author, cop, and wanna be race car driver) and Gonky (F/A-18, T-38, A320, dirt bike racer, author, and awesome dad) discuss everything from aviation to racing to life and anything in between. Featuring guest host Mace Curran: Mace was the second woman ever to fly in the lead solo position since the team began in 1953. She’s currently a motivational speaker, empowering others to face their fears and excel under pressure with “Upside Down Dreams.” You can learn more on her website: www.macecurran...
Send your voice message for the show: podcasters.spo....
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Views presented are my own and do not represent the views of DoD or its Components.

[@Av-vd3wk]

You need to have her on more often!!! “The Mover, Mace & Gonky Show” 😊

[@cfcstl]

I was just thinking the same thing before I saw the comments. She adds a great dynamic to the group with her stories.

[@pistonburner6448]

For people used to British English "Thunderbird" is the far funnier name for her.

[@Vapor_32]

Mace is outstanding!!!!

[@JPEaglesandKatz]

Absolutely AMAZING to see Michelle "MACE" on the show... I have so much respect for her... I've been watching a lot of the thunderbirds stuff and her interviews and it is unbelievable.. I have the utmost respect for any pilot but that Thunderbirds stuff is just incredible.. The amount of training and skill.. I cannot believe how they manage to pull off these manouvres with such precision and danger as well.. Hope you are doing well Mace!!!! :) I would love to see Mace more often on the show....

[@airshowguy916]

I love your video. Mace is great. I have lots of videos of the Thunderbirds, including when she was part of the team. Thank you!

[@rowbeartoe1695]

Your videos are amazing Airshowguy916.

[@airshowguy916]

Thanks. @@rowbeartoe1695

[@dblankenship88]

I’ve seen her before. Always has awesome stories. Thanks for having her on.

[@Hyposonic]

Those in Minot really appreciated you being there. It's generally a pretty lonely assignment.

[@michaelstone4582]

at the 2023 Daytona 500 the Thunderbirds did a diamond burner 360 over the stands. Really cool to look up and see that

[@hunt635]

Love Mace

[@skyking79d]

Thunderbirds performed at my sons Academy graduation, per Normal, and they were amazing! The weather sort of sucked, and they did their low show, as they flew away from the football stadium. You can see that they were actually lower in altitude than the football stadium when they were flying over the interstate just about a mile and the distance. I’ve never seen such a. amazing performance by the Thunderbirds.

[@ypw510]

I saw them at the Thunder over Solano air show in 2014 at Travis AFB. The place was windy as heck (about 40-50 MPH) but when I asked an airman, I was told that was typical and wouldn't affect the show. That was the show (I wasn't there that day) that Eddie Andreini grounded his Stearman and waited a long time for a fire response. I've been to several events with a scheduled flyover. I guess the coolest was a football game in Berkeley where it was a couple of Super Hornets from NAS Lemoore, but one of the pilots was a UC Berkeley grad. Strangely enough, I don't think there was a flyover when Air Force came to Berkeley.

[@xenozombie6200]

Mace rocks, and is a great public speaker. Glad she was on the show.

[@johnb7490]

Mace is Awesome

[@SimonButler]

This was some awesome insight and "behind the scenes" talk, I love it!

[@mhuber609]

Was stationed in Minot. Definitely understand it not being as glamorous but it was really special to see the Thunderbirds!

[@LeeLee-nc7xj]

Love hearing these stories.

[@pollylewis9611]

Wow this one is great, thank you for the info with having Mace on and hearing all three of your stories... just epic.

[@orangecats.3]

She was an amazing team member. :)

[@lynchkp]

More Mace!

[@ronduncan9527]

Your best one yet. She was cool!!! ✈️

[@jamesgardner578]

It has happen my 3 fav pilots mover gonkyw and mace!!!!

[@justinc71]

Great stuff! Live in LV and can see the stadium from home, the Thunder Birds nailed it for the SB and I could see the diamond with smoke on heading all the way back to Nellis.

[@CaoimhinOMaol]

Jones Beach, Long Island. Thunderbirds came over display center from behind the crowd with their F-4E's in burner to begin. Impressive display.

[@thedakotahurley]

This was a great episode! More TBird and BA content would be awesome!

[@aaronsnatic2446]

Definitely a cool kinda of "behind the scenes" look at these flyovers.

[@The_blindpizzaguy1300]

This was probably one of the most insightful things I’ve come across on this channel so far. Mace the Thunderbird was awesome. You guys should have her more.. I do like the whole make more noise to get everybody pumped up idea though, so maybe if the burners were lit a little further out, it’ll be worth it. I’m not gonna lie. I’m always a little disappointed when they don’t use burners but at least now I know why..

[@kevinbrown3017]

Loved the interview 👍

[@timv778]

That was fascinating

[@russzaccari7761]

I've seen Mace before. Her stories are extremely cool and she's a real badass. Not that all pilots aren't, but damn she seriously can hold her own in a room with a bunch of alpha males!

[@tomwilkes3532]

Incredible insight!

[@bhollingsworth]

Mace is a legend!

[@drummer2978]

That was pretty cool to get some inside information on the Thunderbirds.

[@stephenthomas2311]

If possible, please have Michelle Curran back on your show. She has quite the story as you know. Thanks Gentlemen. Best, Steve

[@ypw510]

I get that it’s a competing channel, but I’m wondering why Ryan Bodenheimer (former Thunderbird 2) hasn’t had her on.

[@lars9966]

so cool to see mace in a interview-view

[@johnmorrison8942]

Thanks!

[@blech71]

She’s on point !

[@weschilton]

Haha, what an awesome video! Mace is so cool!

[@rowbeartoe1695]

mace! :)

[@chrisastro300]

Awesome stuff!

[@56Spookdog]

Chris Patterkais the one time head of the Thunder Birds was my neighbor when he and his family lived in San Francisco.

[@aadvantagegold5220]

I watched the flyover live - as with all the practices. I live in Daytona (Riddle student)

[@AndrewRoberts11]

You should all add the MC-15J Cri-Cri mod to MSFS, and then attempt to out do the Thunderbirds 😊

[@bonose12]

Well done Mace. Utter truth and pro stuff.

[@deantait8326]

Finally the NFL does something to represent the USA 🇺🇸 Wonderful NASCAR as normal … good for them !

[@chrismaggio7879]

Whenever the Birds or the Blues fly over it seems to cement the crowd into one. Damn the politics, America just flew over and you cannot feel anything but pride and a thrill.

[@harterbob]

The lone female member of the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus was wearing the Class A blue dress uniform, which was the Army official Class A uniform until a couple of years ago, when the nostalgiac optional pinks and greens uniform was introduced. This new uniform is still in transition, so until it’s in full production, the blue uniform may still be worn instead. After the pinks and greens uniforms are widely available, the blue uniform will be worn for formal occasions.

[@Racer0ne0ne]

I'm pretty sure there are at least two females in that bunch and one other person in the dark uniform. That being said, high school marching bands have the ability to dress the same, I expect the US Army to be able to do the same.

[@mrdujko8657]

Um... more of these please. :)

[@donparnell309]

Regarding the uniform variation, I've seen the Navy band allow this for maternity uniforms.

[@stagggerlee]

The story in KC is that Reba is a Chiefs fan, and allowed Chiefs fans to finish the anthem as they do at home, "Chiefs!" .... I'm a USAF vet , love flyovers, and confront complainers with the need for training and currency for pilots. Flyover for closed stadiums does not seem good for PR.

[@AtomicPunk51]

Isn't there a roof on allegiant stadium? I don't recall tv pointing cameras upwards.

[@ripleyclarke4118]

I lmao'd when you mentioned the community would send hate mail those 2 times xD

[@jonelliott4993]

It’s is weird that 82nd choir didn’t issue everybody the new pinks and greens but the blues are still in reg for now

[@Relayer6a]

Obviously the person conducting the vocal group thought the National Anthem was in 4/4 but it's in 3/4.

[@abelcovarrubias8564]

You've been Maced😉

[@cesarferrolho1647]

...just because i haven't seen him on the videos lately... is Wombat ok? Hope so

[@cbspock1701]

Get mace to join the show

[@TheDaffygluk]

I saw mace out position I pulled up the KZbin video after she said it ,no biggy though

[@paulholm4827]

Love your show. I don’t understand all the intricacies of how fighter jets work. I mean how fast do the afterburners get to full thrust? In automotive they talk about turbos lag and why blowers are better.

[@lilkris3008]

It’s a slight lag but nothing compared to to turbine lag in general pistons are nice to fly due to not having that delay you really have to be ahead of your aircraft in a turbo

[@martinwarford1389]

What did she mean by hubcapped?

[@misawajason]

I will never for the life of me understand why we do flyovers of closed roof stadiums. Makes absolutely no sense to me. "Change my mind". I'm retiring in a few days after 21 years of active duty in the Air Force, and get it's a recruitment tool; but over a stadium with a roof??? I also don't understand the good year blimp over a closed roof stadium. Advertising...I guess. Cool arial shots of a covered building....thanks. I'll get off my mini soapbox now and enjoy the show. Mace rocks btw.

[@CurlyJ49523]

Unfortunate that the crowd didn't get to see that awesome flyover due to the closed roof stadium lol

[@FirstDagger]

There is video from the inside, the roof is transparent so the shadows the Vipers cast were visible, which gave them a certain flair. The crowd certainly noticed.

[@hangarflying]

@@FirstDaggerit’s still dumb to do flyovers of domed stadiums.

[@crazypetec-130fe7]

What equipment does the navy use to help line up the pass? I'm picturing a crusty old chief with WW2 surplus LSO paddles.

[@harrispearce4813]

It would be really cool if you watched the Channel 4’s Top Guns inside the RAF tv show and get your thoughts and opinions on the show. Also your thought on the red arrows compared to the thunderbirds and blue angles?

[@MrMaul80]

I'm curious how Mace got her callsign

[@tbolt2948]

It's called "Casing the Colors". At least here in America it means you do not render honors to the encased flag. As to why that flag is cased, I have no idea. While I am distantly related to the Royals, I don't know your protocols. I'm just an old NJROTC Color Guard Commander.

[@manfromks]

Call sign "Mace" what is the back story?

[@JimNortonsAlcoholism]

Why isn't the full podcast on this channel? It's so confusing to find it

[@CWLemoine]

It is. For members only. KZbin was punishing the live stream too much.

[@tydigame]

Born and raised is Minot 😂😂😂

[@seanlarabee6300]

Condolences. ;) AF brat here. Everytime transfer time came up for Dad the whole family would join in prayer, sacrifice chickens and fundraise to bribe AFPC: Anywhere but Minot. Anywhere but Minot. (Keesler, England, Mildenhall, Fairchild, Osan, Luke - our prayers were answered)

[@PluckyUnderdog]

A gorgeous, clever, funny woman who used to fly the Viper, in combat, for a living. I mean, what's not to like?

[@yodaisgod2]

Doug Masters would have been on time...if he hadn't been shot down...and then not shot down...

[@stephenbritton9297]

What's the point of a flyover of a closed dome stadium? I love flyovers, but man it seems dumb. Best one I've experienced was at Road America, RC-135 RIver Joint came right down the front stretch LOW. C17's there are also cool.

[@ypw510]

For the TV audience.

[@Dev095]

It got better in person right after "The Rock" gave the words to start the race. A few sneak passes and some acrobatics it was great!

[@VarkDriver]

Real pilots don't do loops to music... J/K, old fighter pilot rag on the T-chickens. Good interview.

[@hangarflying]

We all agree that flyovers of domed stadiums are stupid?

[@DurmusMert]

Solo türk bunlara 10 ceker

[@misawajason]

I will never for the life of me understand why we do flyovers of closed roof stadiums. Makes absolutely no sense to me. "Change my mind". I'm retiring in a few days after 21 years of active duty in the Air Force, and get it's a recruitment tool; but over a stadium with a roof???

[@ypw510]

I was disappointed since I would have thought Mover and Gonky would remind her how much they hate flying wingtip. I think Mover called it flying in “Blue Angel butt cheek formation” for a Mover Ruins Movies episode.

[@amish_showroom]

Just put a bouncing ball sing along screen in front of the singers. Timing problem solved.

[@blshouse]

I hate when the t.o.t. moves in the short hairs. 😏

[@Duh_Huh_24]

Dad says the Thunderbirds fly about as close together as he and his navy buddies did on a normal formation flight. He jokes that you can fit another airplane between them, 😂

[@fieldlab4]

Ah yes- the proud American tradition of militarizing sports events. They would certainly never acknowledge the stadium is on stolen Native American land and then somehow celebrate the same US military that helped genocide them. That would be awkward.

[@RedTail1-1]

82nd Airborne nailed it. Mover, I'm not sure what's wrong with you. You're always so negative.

[@CWLemoine]

The two long, unnecessary pauses screwed up the flyby timing. That's not being negative. It's a factual statement. They did not nail anything.

[@ypw510]

Would have been more interesting if they did it mic’ed up dropping out of a C-17. I thought that was their mission.

[@brianbishoptv]

Tom Cruise would be proud.

[@JK-dv3qe]

any US Military 'flyover'/exhibition seems much more 'underwhelming' knowing that they lost to some goat herders (after 20 years trying to 'fight' them). ah, the desperation of the families that lost a loved one in Afghanistan. all for nothing, eh?

[@CWLemoine]

Considering that's false, no.

[@zxcven]

rofl get the fuck out of here with that shit

[@JK-dv3qe]

no disrespect towards families that lost someone, that is a tragedy. but that 'ultimate sacrifice' (honorable as it is) was all in vain. if one counts the beans@@CWLemoine

[@JK-dv3qe]

my full respect towards you and any and all (lower rank) servicemember. not a lot of confidence in the 'upper tier' command structure@@CWLemoine

[@FirstDagger]

​@@JK-dv3qe"The U.S. doesn't lose wars, it loses interest." -General Mattis Same with Vietnam, look up how many Firebases were lost to the VC.

[@godkillmac]

You need to review the first flight of the turkish fighter jet.

[@Dino55316]

I always found it odd that they do this over domes.. but I guess tradition is tradition. For me it'll never get better than Whitney Houston at Super Bowl XXV.

[@johnadair8492]

The Thunderbirds did a starburst during practice Saturday morning at Daytona. Way cooler.

[@nordan00]

In ‘90, we did a BUFF air show flyover at the wrong airport. Was supposed to be Will Rogers, but we hit Wiley Post! It was good for a laugh or two-until the great OKC stunt pilot Tom Jones took it into the ground soon thereafter!

[@uiyhjlfsawrre]

Many years ago, early 2000's if I remember right, I was at the Farnborough airshow in the UK, and a B-52 was supposed to do a fly-over. Unfortunately they flew over Blackbushe Airport instead, which is just to the north of Farnborough (at least I think that was the one). Quite far away viewed from Farnborough, but I bet it was spectacular - and rather a surprise - at the other airport.

[@nordan00]

@@uiyhjlfsawrre Sounds like my boys! 😂

[@uiyhjlfsawrre]

@@nordan00 To be fair, I think they had flown directly from their home base to do the fly-over, so maybe they had run out of coffee on the flight over :D

[@speeddemon2262]

Amazing.